Formal education of Kilgore's African American youth is recorded
as early as 1873 through Kilgore Baptist church. On August 27, 1906,
Kilgore residents voted to incorporate the Kilgore Independent
School District (KISD), which included segregated African American
schools. On this site in 1935, the KISD constructed a new brick
building for African American students. The original building
included seven classrooms, a principal's office, book room and 400-
seat auditorium. A year later the school expanded with four
additional classrooms and indoor plumbing. In 1939, growth
continued with a science and agriculture building, followed by a
cafeteria in 1944 and a band hall in 1954.
C. B. Dansby (1898-1955) was the beloved principal for nearly twenty-
five years, and under his tenure the school expanded from six grades
to twelve and consolidated surrounding rural schools. Tragically,
principal Dansby died during a graduation ceremony. The school was
officially renamed in his honor in 1956. Hired upon Dansby's death
Odis h. Turner (1908-1992) was the final principal from 1955 to 1970
Dansby high school continued to educate African American
children of KISD until desegregation of the district on august 8
1970. The Dansby high school buildings housed KISD specialty classes
for two years after the school's closing. Later,
private investors
purchased the property and used the campus as a multi-service
facility for the community. The property passed to the jurisdiction of
the city of Kilgore, who demolished the buildings in 2013. Although
no longer standing, the Kilgore colored and C. B. Dansby high
schools provided a quality education to students all while teaching
and providing love, care and respect.
Marker is property of the State of Texas
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